Checks demanded on one third of A380s

Almost a third of the Airbus A380s currently in use are to be examined in immediate checks demanded by Europe’s safety regulator the European Aviation Safety Agency. “Significant” cracks have been found inside the wings of A380s, on a bracket joining the exterior to metal ribs inside the wings. Any A380s that have made at least 1,800 take-offs and landings must be examined by Tuesday. The 20 planes this applies to includes 10 operated by Singapore Airlines, seven from Emirates, one from Air France and two test aircraft. Checks on aircraft with between 1,300 to 1,800 cycles should take place within six weeks.“This condition, if not detected and corrected, could potentially affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane,” the agency said on Friday.Reuters